The common understanding of evolutionary behaviour is that in all species it is the strong that survive and that cooperation between individuals in the group is at odds with that. Most scientists, however, don't hold that to be the case. In the very interesting article Birds Do It. Bats Do It. author Alex Dixon explores new research which shows that cooperation happens across the spectrum of living beings all the way down to the cellular level. In exploring these behaviours author Dixon suggests that the underlying principles of cooperation in the rest of the all living species can help humans embrace and improve upon their own cooperative instincts. Marilyn encourages you to consider this new understanding of the power of cooperation.

Marilyn LaCourt has authored some thought provoking ideas regarding the importance of cooperation between moderate religionists and atheists. She calls for an effort to support and maintain our secular Constitution in the face of the enormous pressure brought by religious extremists to bring about a theocracy in our great country, and to halt and reverse the errosion of our civil liberties which has thus far occurred as a result of their efforts. If you are concerned that the rising voice of religious extremism in the world today does not represent your views, read this article and share it with your like-minded friends. You and they will find Marilyn's rationality and logic both reassuring and timely to the challenges we face as a species.

Marilyn LaCourt has written a fascinating retort to the pessimistic vision of human nature set forth in Golding's “Lord of the Flies”. “The Prize” makes a compelling and convincing case that the terms of the discussion have been wrong from the start. Selfishness and selflessness aren't mutually exclusive—they can and do co-exist, as the student's in LaCourt imagined experiment demonstrate. Left to ourselves, she asserts, we learn that cooperation is crucial to individual self-interest.

Imagine the powerful conversation in an English class that compares and contrasts Golding with the fully-articulated alternative view of human nature in The Prize! I might wish myself thirteen again just to be a part of it.

Latest Articles

Link to Article: • A Matter of Life and Debt (Link to article by Margaret Atwood of the New York Times that expresses the philosophy of "The Prize" eloquently.) (Link opens in a new widow)

The Ten Commandments These ten commandments illustrate the steps we can take to make reciprocal behavior a benefit to our lives. Read them here »

"The Prize" Middle School Edition

Marilyn LaCourt's novel, "The Prize", has been revised to better suit the requirements and considerations of younger readers. Now educators and other professionals can use "The Prize" Middle School Editon, and it's related Study Guide, with complete confidence that it will be entirely appropriate for a Middle School audience.

Young readers' greatly enjoy reading the Middle School Edition of "The Prize". The novel entertains and holds the young readers interest while providing a basis for discussion of one of life's most important issues, our relationships with other people.

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Order an autographed copy of the Middle School Edition of "The Prize" directly from the Author Price: $10.00 (+ $3.00 S&H) or Order by Check or Money Order

Now available to Educators
The Complete
"Live and Let Live" Bully Prevention Program Curriculum
is available as a Free On-Line Download

Other titles by Marilyn LaCourt —

Order Autographed Versions ~ Directly from the Author ~
Order the Original Version of "The Prize" with Credit Card $10.00 Order by Check or Money Order	Order the First Editon of "The Amost Brother" with Credit Card $10.00 Order by Check or Money Order

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